Footwear securing system

ABSTRACT

Devices for adjusting the fit of footwear, the devices including a lace receiver configured to frictionally receive a resilient lace and to restrict passage of the resilient lace through the lace receiver, and a latch coupled to the lace receiver and configured to releasingly couple with the resilient lace, wherein coupling the latch to the resilient lace tensions the resilient lace and pulls a first retaining flap of the footwear toward a second retaining flap of the footwear. In some examples, the device is configured to adjust the fit of apparel.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to copending U.S. application Ser. No.61/684,249, filed on Aug. 17, 2012, and Ser. No. 13/970,426, filed onAug. 19, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference for allpurposes.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates generally to footwear adjustment systems. Inparticular, this disclosure relates to footwear adjustment systems thatinclude features that obviate the need for the traditional shoe lacingand tying process.

Footwear adjustment mechanisms have long been dominated by the familiarlace and eyelet system. In these systems, users must go through thetedious process of initially routing laces through series of opposedeyelets positioned around a user's inserted foot and then repeatedlysecuring the laces by tying opposing ends of the lace into a bow.

While this process provides familiarity, it has many shortcomings thatalternative footwear adjustment systems can improve upon. For example,securing footwear typically involves the multi-step process of tyingopposing ends of a lace together to form a bow. Even when properly tied,the bows formed by tying shoelaces are often prone to loosening ordisengaging through common use. This leaves users' footwear unsecure,thereby leaving wearers more prone to injury.

Further, unsecured laces may pose additional risk to users, such as byserving as trip hazards (or as instigators of injurious escalator ormoving walkway incidents). Further, traditional methods' tighteningprocess is time consuming. Replacement of damaged laces in traditionalsystems is an additional commonplace and time-consuming exercise.

The tedious process of tightening and tying shoes may be particularlytroubling, for example, during athletic events wherein users must secureor release footwear from their feet during the event, such astriathlons. Triathlons typically require users to participate in threecontinuous, sequential stages including a running stage, a cyclingstage, and a swimming stage. Between these stages are transitions,wherein users typically change into footwear appropriate for theupcoming stage. Times accrued during transitions are typically includedin users' overall results; as a result, quick transitions are desired.Thus, equipment that allows quick changing of footwear between stagesprovides great benefit to triathlon participants.

The shortcomings of traditional lacing systems are not, of course,limited to these contexts. Even minor annoyances in routines ascommonplace as securing footwear to your feet can accumulate to becomemajor hassles. Therefore, improved footwear adjustment systems impact avery widespread, diverse amount of users.

This disclosure is differentiated over some specific shoelace systemexamples improved that are discussed below. For example, one improvedshoelace system is marketed under the brand Yankz! This example system,however, fails to satisfactorily solve many of the problems of shoelacedesigns. As one example, the system includes a single lace routedthrough the entire length of associated shoes' eyelets. This restricts auser from applying a variable level of tightening along the length ofthe lacing section of her shoes.

Examples of other improved shoe securing products include productsmarketed under the Greeper® brand. Greeper® laces require users to fullylace a shoe to tighten and secure the shoe using a complex system thatinvolves tying laces to a lower routing device, cutting off any excesslace, and then repeatedly using an unreliable biased lace crimp totighten and secure the shoe. The complex and unreliable design of thisdevice makes it an insufficient solution to the problems inherent inconventional lacing systems.

Thus, there exists a need for footwear adjustment systems that improveupon and advance the design of known footwear adjustment systems, suchas those discussed above. Footwear adjustment systems that includefeatures that do improve and advance the design of known footwearadjustment systems are described below.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to devices for adjusting the fit offootwear. Some examples include resilient laces operatively coupled tofirst retaining flaps of footwear, latching members including latchesand lace receives sized to slidingly receive string portions ofresilient laces and to restrict passage of retaining bodies of resilientlaces, and latch couplers on second retaining flaps of footwear andconfigured to releasingly couple with lace couplers. In some examples,coupling latches to latch couplers tensions resilient laces and pullsfirst retaining flaps toward second retaining flaps. Some examplesinclude first resilient laces and second resilient laces. Some examplesincluding first resilient laces and second resilient laces includelatching members including a first lace receiver sized to receive stringportions of first resilient laces and second lace receivers sized toreceive string portions of second resilient laces. Some examples areconfigured for adjusting the fit of apparel items defining eyelets.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first example of a footwear adjustmentsystem attached to an example shoe.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the footwear adjustment system shown in FIG. 1depicting latching members of the system coupled with latch couplers.

FIG. 3 is a close up view showing one of the latching members shown inFIG. 2 depicting the latching member coupled with a latch coupler.

FIG. 4A is a top view of an example of a lace configured for use withdisclosed footwear adjustment systems.

FIG. 4B is a top view of an additional or alternative example of a laceconfigured for use with disclosed footwear adjustment systems.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second example of a footwearadjustment system.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the footwear adjustment system shown inFIG. 5 with a latching member of the footwear adjustment system incoupled with a latch coupler.

FIG. 7 is a close up view showing a latching member of the footwearadjustment system shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a close up view showing a latch coupler of the footwearadjustment system shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 9A is a perspective drawing of the lace receiver viewed in aposition from the top such as when the lace receiver is in use.

FIG. 9B is a perspective drawing of the lace receiver viewed in aposition where the lace receiver has been flipped up showing the latchand lace-receiving member.

FIG. 10 a close-up, side elevation view of the lace receiver shown inFIG. 9A and FIG. 9B.

FIG. 11 is a close-up of a base portion of the lace receiver designshown in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B depicting a hole-like opening withadditional teeth.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a resilient lace disposed in thelace receiver shown in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed devices will become better understood through review ofthe following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. Thedetailed description and figures provide merely examples of the variousinventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will understandthat the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered withoutdeparting from the scope of the inventions described herein. Manyvariations are contemplated for different applications and designconsiderations; however, for the sake of brevity, each and everycontemplated variation is not individually described in the followingdetailed description.

Throughout the following detailed description, examples of variousdevices are provided. Related features in the examples may be identical,similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity,related features will not be redundantly explained in each example.Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the reader that thefeature with a related feature name may be similar to the relatedfeature in an example explained previously. Features specific to a givenexample will be described in that particular example. The reader shouldunderstand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to thespecific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or example.

With reference to FIGS. 1-4, a first example of a device for adjustingthe fit of footwear, device 100, will now be described. As FIG. 1illustrates, device 100 includes a first lace 110, a second lace 130, afirst latching member 140, a second latching member 155, a first latchcoupler 160, and a second latch coupler 170. Device 100 may allow usersto adjust the fit of footwear more quickly and easily than many othercompeting systems. For example, device 100 allows users to securefootwear by simply coupling first latching member 140 and secondlatching member 155 with first latch coupler 160 and second latchcoupler 170, respectively.

Because the securing method of device 100 includes fewer steps than thetraditional lace and eyelet method, users may find that device 100allows footwear to be secured with superior speed and simplicitycompared to traditional lacing and eyelet systems. Further, the securingmethod of device 100 allows users to quickly adjust the shoe to anappropriate tightness without requiring a wearer to tediously adjustinglaces at each eyelet.

Further, device 100 is adapted for use with existing footwear designedfor the traditional lacing and eyelet system. Unlike some alternativefootwear securing means, device 100 is configured for use with mostexisting, standard footwear designs.

Further, device 100 includes two laces that are routed at two differentregions along footwear's instep. Unlike many alternative footwearsecuring means, this multiple lace system allows a wearer to apply avariable level of tightening at these differing regions on a user'sshoe. Further, device 100 does not require a user to route laces throughsupplemental routing devices, as do some other alternative lacingsystems. Additionally or alternatively, the latching mechanism of device100 may remain secured more dependably than the unreliable lace crimpsused in some other alternative footwear securing means.

Accordingly, device 100 addresses many of the shortcomings describedabove, including those associated with traditional lace and eyeletsystems and those associated with other alternative lacing systems.

As FIG. 1 shows, device 100 is configured for use with footwear designedto be secured with a traditional lace and eyelet mechanism. An exampleof such footwear, shoe 80, is illustrated in FIG. 1. As FIG. 1 shows,shoe 80 includes a first retaining flap 82 and a second retaining flap90. As FIG. 1 illustrates, first retaining flap 82 and second retainingflap 90 are spaced from one another across a wearer's instep when shoe80 is worn. As first retaining flap 82 and second retaining flap 90 arepulled toward one another, shoe 80 is adjusted to be secured moretightly on a user's foot. Conversely, as first retaining flap 82 andsecond retaining flap 90 are spaced further from one another, shoe 80 isadjusted to be secured on a user's foot more loosely.

As FIG. 1 illustrates, first retaining flap 82 defines four eyeletsrouted between its exterior and interior, including a first eyelet 84, asecond eyelet 86, a third eyelet 88, and a fourth eyelet 89. As FIG. 1also illustrates, second retaining flap 90 defines a fifth eyelet 92substantially aligned with first eyelet 84, a sixth eyelet 94substantially aligned with second eyelet 86, a seventh eyelet 96substantially aligned with third eyelet 88, and a eighth eyelet 98substantially aligned with fourth eyelet 89. Each of the eyelets areconfigured to receive one or more laces routed therethrough tooperatively pair the lace with the corresponding retaining flap. A lacemay be used to pull first retaining flap 82 and second retaining flap 90when routed through eyelets on both retaining flaps.

As FIG. 1 shows, first lace 110 is configured to be routed through firsteyelet 84, second eyelet 86, fifth eyelet 92, and sixth eyelet 94 whendevice 100 is coupled with shoe 80. As FIGS. 2 and 4A show, first lace110 defines a string portion 112 and includes a first endcap 114, asecond endcap 118, a first supplemental retaining body 116, and a secondsupplemental retaining body 120.

As FIGS. 2 and 4A show, string portion 112 extends from a first terminalend 111 to a second terminal end 113. As FIG. 1 illustrates, firstterminal end 111 is routed through first eyelet 84 of first retainingflap 82 when first lace 110 is coupled with shoe 80 Likewise, secondterminal end 113 is routed through second eyelet 86 of first retainingflap 82 when first lace 110 is coupled with shoe 80. When first lace 110is so coupled, string portion 112 is routed through fifth eyelet 92 andsixth eyelet 94 of second retaining flap 90, thereby defining a loopportion 115 on the portion of first lace 110 between fifth eyelet 92 andsixth eyelet 94.

String portion 112 is made of a resilient polymer material configured toreturn to its original shape and size after being stretched. Stringportion 112 defines a coefficient of elasticity selected to tensionfirst lace 110 when first latching member 140 is coupled with firstlatch coupler 160.

Laces may, in some examples, include a rubber, elastomer, or stretchedfabric over substantially all of its length to achieve selected elastic,resilient, and flexible characteristics. This is not required, however;this disclosure specifically contemplates looped ends that comprise adifferent material than the rest of the lace to adjust elasticity,flexibility, and resiliency compared to the rest of the lace. Indeed,some or all of laces may include a variety of materials selected toadjust the tension of the lace when the first latching member 140 issecured to first latch coupler 160.

As FIGS. 2 and 4A show, string portion 112 defines a thickness pairedwith first latching member 140. As FIG. 2 more precisely illustrates,loop portion 115 defines a thickness sized to be received by firstlatching member 140, thereby allowing first latching member 140 toreleasingly couple with loop portion 115.

As FIG. 4A shows, first endcap 114 is disposed proximate first terminalend 111 of first lace 110. As FIG. 4A illustrates, first endcap 114defines a thickness greater than string portion 112. As FIG. 4Aillustrates, second endcap 118 is substantially similar to first endcap114. Because first endcap 114 and second endcap 118 define thicknessesgreater than string portion 112, first latching member 140 may beconfigured to slidingly receive string portion 112 while restrictingpassage of first endcap 114 and second endcap 118. By receiving stringportion 112 while restricting passage of the endcaps, first latchingmember 140 may be coupled with first lace 110 in the manner illustratedin FIG. 2. Indeed, FIG. 2 illustrates first latching member 140 coupledwith first lace 110 at an outer latching position.

As FIG. 4A shows, first supplemental retaining body 116 is disposed onthe string portion 112 of first lace 110. As FIG. 4A illustrates, firstsupplemental retaining body 116 is spaced from first endcap 114, beingdisposed more proximate the center of first lace 110 than first endcap114. Second supplemental retaining body 120 is similarly disposed onstring portion 112 and spaced from second endcap 118.

As FIG. 4A shows, first supplemental retaining body 116 and secondsupplemental retaining body 120 define a greater thickness than stringportion 112. This increased thickness allows first latching member 140to connect to first lace 110 by slidingly receiving string portion 112while restricting passage of first supplemental retaining body 116and/or second supplemental retaining body 120. By receiving stringportion 112 while restricting passage of the supplemental retainingbodies, first latching member 140 may be coupled with first lace 110 inthe manner illustrated in FIG. 2.

Accordingly, first supplemental retaining body 116 and secondsupplemental retaining body 120 cooperatively provide first latchingmember 140 with a second point of attachment to first lace 110. Becausefirst supplemental retaining body 116 and second supplemental retainingbody 120 are positioned closer to the center of first lace 110 than theendcaps, first lace 110 defines a greater tension when first latchingmember 140 is connected to the attachment point provided by theretaining bodies compared to that provided by the endcaps. This greatertension causes first lace 110 to secure footwear in a relatively tighterconfiguration compared to those with endcap-connected latching members.

While device 100 includes only a single pair of supplemental retainingbodies, some examples include additional supplemental retaining bodiesto provide first latching member 140 with additional attachment pointson first lace 110. In some examples, the additional attachment pointsmay allow users to more precisely adjust the tightness of associatedfootwear. In some examples, the additional attachment points may allowusers to adjust the tightness of associated footwear over a greaterrange of fits.

As FIG. 2 illustrates, second lace 130 is substantially similar to firstlace 110, similarly defining a string portion 132, a first endcap 134, asecond endcap 138, a first supplemental retaining body 136, and a secondsupplemental retaining body 140 Like string portion 112, string portion132 defines a loop portion 135 routed between seventh eyelet 96 andeighth eyelet 98. As FIG. 1 shows, second lace 130 is configured toadjust the fit of shoe 80 over a different region than first lace 110.Indeed, second lace 130 cooperates with first lace 110 to secure shoe 80over the entire length of first retaining flap 82 and second retainingflap 90. Various examples include any number of laces and pairedattachment members, allowing disclosed devices to adapt the disclosedapparel fitting devices to a wide variety of applications.

As FIG. 1 shows, first latching member 140 is configured to removablyconnect to first lace 110. As FIG. 2 illustrates, first latching member140 defines a first lace receiver 142, a second lace receiver 144, and alatch 146. As FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate, first latching member 140 may bemanipulated to removably attach at a variety of attachment points, suchas the attachment point defined by the endcaps of first lace 110illustrated in FIG. 2 and the attachment point defined by the retainingbodies of first lace 110 illustrated in FIG. 3. When connected at theattachment point defined by the endcaps, first latching member 140 isconnected at a relatively tighter attachment point; when connected atthe attachment point defined by the supplemental retaining bodies, firstlatching member 140 is connected at a relatively looser attachmentpoint.

Further, as FIGS. 2 and 3 show, first latching member 140 isadditionally configured to releasingly couple with first latch coupler160. When so coupled, first lace 110 is tensioned and pulls firstretaining flap 82 toward second retaining flap 90.

As FIG. 4A illustrates, first lace receiver 142 defines a rigidprojection disposed on first latching member 140. As FIG. 4A shows,first lace receiver 142 includes a partially closed substantiallycylindrical opening sized to slidingly receive string portion 112 offirst lace 110. As FIG. 4A shows, the opening of first lace receiver 142is additionally configured to restrict passage of first endcap 114 andfirst supplemental retaining body 116. As FIG. 4A shows, second lacereceiver 144 is substantially similar to first lace receiver 142 and issimilarly sized to slidingly receive string portion 112 of first lace110 and to restrict passage of second endcap 118 and second supplementalretaining body 120.

To connect first latching member 140 in a relatively looserconfiguration, as mentioned above, a user may insert into the opening offirst lace receiver 142 the section of string portion 112 between firstendcap 114 and first supplemental retaining body 116. First latchingmember 140 may then be pulled to engage first endcap 114 with the rigidportion of first lace receiver 142. The section of string portion 112between second supplemental retaining body 120 and second endcap 118 issimilarly received by second lace receiver 144 in this looserconfiguration.

Upon coupling first latching member 140 with first latch coupler 160,the tension in string portion 112 pulls first endcap 114 to engage itwith first lace receiver 142 Likewise, the tension similarly pullssecond endcap 118 to engage it with second lace receiver 144, therebysecuring first lace 110 to shoe 80 in a secured configuration.

To connect first latching member 140 in a relatively tighterconfiguration, a user may insert in the opening of first lace receiver142 the central portion of string portion 112 between first supplementalretaining body 116 and second supplemental retaining body 120. Firstlatching member 140 may then be pulled to engage first supplementalretaining body 116 with the rigid portion of first lace receiver 142.The central portion of string portion 112 is similarly slidinglyreceived by second lace receiver 144 to engage second supplementalretaining body 120 with second lace receiver 144 in this tighterconfiguration.

Upon coupling first latching member 140 with first latch coupler 160,the tension in string portion 112 pulls first supplemental retainingbody 116 to engage it with first lace receiver 142 Likewise, the tensionsimilarly pulls second endcap 118 to engage it with second lace receiver144, thereby securing first lace 110 to shoe 80 in a securedconfiguration.

By attaching first latching member 140 to first lace 110 proximate thesupplemental retaining bodies, first latching member 140 effectivelyshortens first lace 110. Because the distance between the eyelets offirst retaining flap 82 and the eyelets of second retaining flap 90remains constant, this results in an increase in the amount of tensionpresented by first lace 110 when first latching member 140 is coupledwith first latch coupler 160. This increased tension tightens shoe 80 ona wearer's foot compared to a configuration wherein first latchingmember 140 is attached to first lace 110 proximate its endcaps.

As FIG. 1 illustrates, second latching member 155 is configured toattach to second lace 130 substantially similarly to the manner in whichfirst latching member 140 is attached to first lace 110. As FIG. 3illustrates, second latching member 155 is configured to releasinglyreceive loop portion 135 in a latch 157 while second latching member 155is coupled with and pulling second lace 130. As FIG. 3 illustrates,latch 157 is substantially similar to latch 146.

Additionally or alternatively, lace lengths may be adjusted to addgreater variability in apparel fit. For example, FIG. 4B illustrates anexample alternative lace, shortened lace 139, that is relatively shorterthan first lace 110 and second lace 130. Because shortened lace 139 isrelatively shorter than first lace 110 and second lace 130, shortenedlace 139 will present a relatively heightened tension when attached.Accordingly, examples including shortened lace 139 may provide a tighterfit than examples with longer laces. Capitalizing on this lacelength-fit correlation, this disclosure contemplates using laces longerand shorter than those illustrated to accommodate a wide variety offits.

As FIGS. 2 and 4A illustrate, latch 146 is coupled with first lacereceiver 142 and second lace receiver 144, being disposed on an oppositeside of first latching member 140 as the lace receivers. As FIGS. 2 and3 illustrate, latch 146 is configured to couple with first latch coupler160. In particular, latch 146 defines a hook that is configured toremovably receive loop portion 115 of first lace 110. When firstlatching member 140 is connected to first lace 110, such as in therelatively tighter or the relatively looser configuration describedabove, first latching member 140 is pulled to loop portion 115 totension first lace 110.

When tensioned, latch 146 may be manipulated to receive loop portion115. When first latching member 140 is released, the tension pulls loopportion 115 toward the closed side of latch 146. Because the tension infirst lace 110 pulls it toward latch 146, first latching member 140 isconfigured to remain secured after a user stops manipulating it. Whensecured in this manner, first lace 110 remains in a tensioned state.

As previously discussed, first lace 110 is operatively coupled to firstretaining flap 82 by being routed through first eyelet 84 and secondendcap 118. Similarly, first lace 110 is operatively coupled to secondretaining flap 90 by being routed through fifth eyelet 92 and sixtheyelet 94. Because first lace 110 is operatively coupled with theretaining flaps in this manner, first lace 110 is configured to pullfirst retaining flap 82 toward second retaining flap 90 when firstlatching member 140 is secured with loop portion 115.

The distance in which first retaining flap 82 is pulled toward secondretaining flap 90 directs the tightness of the fit of shoe 80 Likewise,the distance with which first retaining flap 82 is pulled toward secondretaining flap 90 is directed by the amount of tension in first lace 110(or other paired and secured laces). Accordingly, the tightness of thefit of device 100 is directed by the amount of tension in first lace 110when attached. Additionally or alternatively, adjusting the tension oflaces, such as by adjustments discussed herein, may adjust the fit ofpaired apparel items.

As FIG. 1 shows, first latch coupler 160 is defined by loop portion 115.Accordingly, first latching member 140 is configured to releasinglycouple with first latch coupler 160 by receiving loop portion 115 withinlatch 146 as described above. Some examples, however, may include latchcouplers that are distinct from first lace 110. For example, latchcouplers may define strands, loops, or other elements attached to anapparel item proximate or on a retaining flap. As FIGS. 1 and 2illustrate, second latch coupler 170 is similarly defined by loopportion 135.

Turning attention to FIGS. 5-8, a second example of a device foradjusting the fit of footwear, device 200, will now be described. Device200 shares many similar or identical features with previously disclosedexamples that are combined in unique and distinct ways. Thus, for thesake of brevity, each feature of device 200 will not be redundantlyexplained. Rather, key distinctions between device 200 and otherpreviously disclosed examples will be described in detail and the readershould reference the discussion above for features substantially similarbetween the devices.

FIG. 5 illustrates that device 200 provides an additional or alternativemeans for adjusting the fit of shoe 80 and displays how device 200 ispaired with first retaining flap 82 and second retaining flap 90. AsFIG. 5 shows, device 200 includes a first lace 210, a second lace 230, alatching member 240, and a latch coupler 260. Like device 100, device200 is configured to tension two laces to secure shoe 80 on a wearer.Unlike device 100, however, device 200 includes only a single latchingmember that is configured pair with both laces simultaneously.

First lace 210 is substantially similar to first lace 110 and isconfigured to be operatively paired with shoe 80 in a substantiallysimilar fashion Likewise, second lace 230 is substantially similar tosecond lace 130 and is configured to be operatively paired with shoe 80in a substantially similar fashion.

As FIG. 7 illustrates, however, latching member 240 is configured toreceive both ends of both first lace 210 and second lace 230. Namely,latching member 240 includes four lace receivers, each lace receiverconfigured to receive a corresponding end of one of first lace 210 orsecond lace 230. Each lace receiver of latching member 240 is configuredto receive each end of first lace 210 and second lace 230 in asubstantially similar manner to first lace receiver 142 or second lacereceiver 144.

As FIG. 7 shows, latching member 240 additionally includes a latch 246,which is substantially similar to latch 146. As FIG. 6 shows, latch 246is configured to pair with latch coupler 260 in a substantially similarmethod to latch 146.

As FIG. 7 illustrates, latch 246 is misaligned with the looped portionsof first lace 210 and second lace 230 when latching member 240 isattached. As a result, latching member 240 is not as suited to couplingwith first lace 210 and second lace 230 as first latching member 140 andsecond latching member 155 are suited to couple with loop portion 115and loop portion 135, respectively. Accordingly, device 200 includeslatch coupler 260, which defines a distinct element from first lace 210and second lace 230.

As FIG. 8 illustrates, latch coupler 260 is releasingly connected to thelooped portions of first lace 210 and second lace 230. As FIG. 8 shows,latch coupler 260 defines a first lace retainer 262, a central portion264, and a second lace retainer 266. As FIG. 8 shows, latch coupler 260provides latching member 240 with a better aligned coupling pointcompared to the loop portions of first lace 210 second lace 230.

As FIG. 8 shows, first lace retainer 262 is configured to releasinglyretain first lace 210. First lace retainer 262 defines a pair ofresistively flexible, resilient retaining members 263. As FIG. 8illustrates, retaining members 263 define a space between them that issmaller than the thickness of first lace 210. As a result, retainingmembers 263 may be manipulated to insert or remove first lace 210.Accordingly, retaining members 263 are able to retain second lace 230 infirst lace retainer 262 absent user manipulation. As FIG. 8 illustrates,second lace retainer 266 is substantially similar to first lace retainer262, and is configured to similarly receive and retain second lace 230.

As FIG. 8 illustrates, central portion 264 defines a rigid bodyextending between first lace retainer 262 and second lace retainer 266.Central portion 264 is complimentarily shaped and sized with latch 246,allowing latch 246 to releasingly couple with central portion 264. Bycoupling with central portion 264, latch 246 is able to, in effect,couple with the looped portions of both first lace 210 and second lace230 simultaneously.

Similar to first latching member 140, first lace 210 and second lace 230are configured to tension when latching member 240 is coupled, therebybiasing latch 246 toward central portion 264. As a result, latch 246 isconfigured to remain securely coupled with latch coupler 260 during use,absent additional user manipulation.

Because latching member 240 is configured to receive both first lace 210and second lace 230 and couples with a single latch coupler, latchcoupler 260, device 200 may provide particularly quick and effective fitadjustment. Namely, if latching member 240 is presently attached tofirst lace 210 and second lace 230, device 200 could secure shoe 80 to awearer's foot in a single quick step. In particular, this may allowusers to secure shoe 80 to their feet at a precise fit with considerablyless time and effort than would be required with conventionallace-and-eyelet systems and other conventional apparel adjustmentsystems.

Turning to FIGS. 9A-12, an alternative configuration for a device foradjusting the fit of footwear, device 300, will be described. Device 300shares many similar or identical features with previously disclosedexamples that are combined in unique and distinct ways. Thus, forbrevity's sake, each feature of device 300 will not be redundantlyexplained. Rather, key distinctions between device 300 and otherpreviously disclosed examples will be described in detail and the readershould reference the discussion above for features substantially similarbetween the devices.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate that device 300 provides an additional oralternative means for retaining a resilient lace 310 under tensionwithin a latching member 340. Latching member 340 includes a latch 346at one end and a lace receiver 342 at the opposing end.

Resilient lace 310 shown in FIG. 12 is substantially identical to laces110 and 210 discussed above. In the examples shown in FIG. 12, resilientlace 310 is not depicted with end caps, but instead is depicted ascomprising a string portion extending from end to end. However, in otherexamples, the resilient lace includes end caps at terminal ends of theresilient lace with a string portion extending between the end caps. Inmany examples, the end caps are mounted onto the string portion of theresilient lace proximate the terminal ends of the resilient lace.

As shown in FIGS. 9A-12, latch 346 defines a hook with a hook opening toreceive resilient lace 310 to couple latch 349 to resilient lace 310. Ascan be seen in FIGS. 9A-12, the hook curls upward proximate the hookopening. The hook curling upwards helps to retain resilient lace 310within the hook as shown in FIG. 12.

As shown in FIGS. 9A-12, lace receiver 342 includes three lace receivingmembers 344. The inner surface of outer lace receiving members 344contains arrays of teeth 358 while the inner surface of the middle lacereceiving member 344 is smooth. These arrays of teeth function tofrictionally secure the string portion of resilient lace 310 undertension when latch 346 is engaged and hooked to a loop portion ofresilient lace 335. Unlike latching members 140 and 240, latching member340 of device 300 does not require end caps or retaining bodies on theresilient lace to maintain tension in the laces while latch 346 isengaged. FIG. 12 illustrates how resilient lace 310 may be threadedthrough lace receiving members 344 of lace receiver 342.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, lace receiver 342 includes a first surface350, a second surface 354, a third surface 352, and two side surfaces356. First surface 350 and second surface 354 of lace receiver 342 aretransverse to the longitudinal axis of latching member 340 while thirdsurface 352 is aligned with the longitudinal axis of latching member340.

Lace receiving-members 344 of lace receiver 342 define channels that arealigned with the longitudinal axis of latching member 340. The channelsare defined by a closed end distal third surface 352 and an open endproximate third surface 352 opposite the closed end.

FIGS. 9A and 9B further illustrate that in addition to the two arrays ofteeth 358 disposed on opposing sides in the channel defined by lacereceiving member 344, an additional array of teeth 359 may also bepresent on second surface 354 of lace receiving member 344. As shown inFIGS. 9A and 9B, the teeth of array 359 run the entire surface of thelace receiver channel where the ends of the resilient lace would pass.Array of teeth 359 at second surface 354 of lace receiving member 344further contributes to maintaining the lace in frictional tension whilethe latching system is engaged.

In some examples, the lace receiving members include more than twoarrays of teeth while in other examples the device includes a singlearray of teeth. The opposing arrangement of the arrays of teeth in lacereceiving members 344 allow for a large surface area on which lacereceiver 342 can frictionally receive resilient lace 310 and maintaintension within the lacing system.

In the example shown in FIG. 11, arrays of teeth 358 are pointed awayfrom latch 346, which will often correspond to pointing away from thedirection in which a user will insert the lace into lace receivingmembers 344. When laces are placed in the lace receiver with the arraysof teeth pointed away from the direction that the lace enters lacereceiving members 344, the teeth further restrict laces from loosening,but allow for further tensioning of the resilient laces 310 with ease.

In the example shown in FIGS. 9A-12, lace receiver 342 includes threelace receiving members 344. In this example, only the two outer lacereceiving members include arrays of teeth 358 for gripping the resilientlace when it is threaded through lace receiving members 344. In thisexample, the center lace receiving member 344 has a smooth innersurface.

In the example shown in FIGS. 9A-12, the two outer lace receivingmembers 344 include channels that are tapered. In particular, thechannel is tapered such that it is narrowest at the closed end of lacereceiving member 344 and widest at the open end of lace receiving member344.

With continued reference to FIGS. 9A-12, each of the lace receivingmembers 344 also includes a protrusion 360 proximate second surface 354and extending into the channel defined by lace receiving member 344.Protrusion 360 serves to narrow the channel of lace receiving member 344proximate second surface 354, which is where the lace will often enterthe channel, to maintain resilient lace 310 in frictional tension withinlace receiver 342 while latching member 340 is engaged.

The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions withindependent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosedin a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustratedabove are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerousvariations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includesall novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of thevarious elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed aboveand inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions.Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “afirst” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claimsshould be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neitherrequiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed tocombinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed inventions that arebelieved to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in othercombinations and sub-combinations of features, functions, elementsand/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims orpresentation of new claims in the present application or in a relatedapplication. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed tothe same invention or a different invention and whether they aredifferent, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims,are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventionsdescribed herein.

1. A device for adjusting the fit of footwear, the footwear including afirst retaining flap spaced from a second retaining flap across awearer's instep and a resilient lace operatively coupled to the firstretaining flap, the device comprising: a lace receiver configured tofrictionally receive the resilient lace and to restrict passage of theresilient lace through the lace receiver; and a latch coupled to thelace receiver and configured to releasingly couple with the resilientlace; wherein coupling the latch to the resilient lace tensions theresilient lace and pulls the first retaining flap toward the secondretaining flap.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the first retainingflap and the second retaining flap each comprise an array of eyeletsthrough which the resilient lace is threaded.
 3. The device of claim 2,wherein: the resilient lace defines a first resilient lace; the lacereceiver defines a first lace receiver configured to frictionallyreceive the first resilient lace and to restrict passage of the firstresilient lace through the first lace receiver; the device furthercomprising: a second lace receiver configured to frictionally receivethe second resilient lace and to restrict passage of the secondresilient lace through the second lace receiver; and a second latchconfigured to releasingly couple with a second resilient lace to tensionthe second resilient lace and pull the first retaining flap toward thesecond retaining flap.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the latchdefines a hook with a hook opening to receive the resilient lace tocouple the latch to the resilient lace.
 5. The device of claim 1,wherein the hook curls upward proximate the hook opening to retain theresilient lace within the hook.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein: theresilient lace includes: end caps disposed at terminal ends of theresilient lace; and a string portion extending between the ends caps;the lace receiver is configured to frictionally receive the stringportion of the resilient lace and to restrict passage of the stringportion of the resilient lace through the lace receiver.
 7. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the lace receiver comprises three lace receivingmembers of which two outer lace receiving members each comprise agripping portion having arrays of teeth to frictionally receive theresilient lace and a center lace receiving member having a smoothinterior surface.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the lace receivercomprises at least two lace receiving members defining channels that arealigned with the longitudinal axis of the device, the lace receivingmembers each further defined by: a first surface proximate the latch andtransverse to the longitudinal axis of the device; a second surfaceopposite the first surface and distal the latch, the second surfacebeing transverse to the longitudinal axis of the device; and a thirdsurface extending between the first surface and the second surface andaligned with the longitudinal axis of the device.
 9. The device of claim8, wherein a first lace receiving member of the lace receiving memberscomprises a protrusion proximate the second surface and extending intothe channel of the first lace receiving member.
 10. The device of claim8, wherein the channels defined by the lace receiving members aretapered to further guide the resilient lace towards the arrays of teethand wedge the resilient lace within the arrays of teeth of the lacereceiving members.
 11. The device of claim 10, wherein the arrays ofteeth are pointed away from the latch and correspondingly away fromwhere the resilient lace is introduced into the lace receiving members.12. A device for adjusting the fit of an apparel item, the apparel itemincluding a first portion defining a first eyelet, a second portionspaced from the first portion and defining a second eyelet, and aresilient lace routed through the first eyelet and the second eyelet,the device comprising: a lace receiver configured to frictionallyreceive the resilient lace and to restrict passage of the resilient lacethrough the lace receiver; and a latch coupled to the lace receiver andconfigured to releasingly couple with the resilient lace; whereincoupling the latch to the resilient lace tensions the resilient lace andpulls the first portion toward the second portion.
 13. The device ofclaim 12, wherein the lace receiver defines a channel and the channel isconfigured to frictionally receive the resilient lace and to restrictpassage of the resilient lace through the channel.
 14. The device ofclaim 12, wherein the lace receiver comprises at least two lacereceiving members defining channels that are aligned with thelongitudinal axis of the device, the lace receiving members eachincluding: a first surface proximate the latch and transverse to alongitudinal axis of the device; a second surface opposite the firstsurface and distal the latch, the second surface being transverse to thelongitudinal axis of the device; and a third surface extending betweenthe first surface and the second surface and aligned with thelongitudinal axis of the device.
 15. The device of claim 14, wherein afirst lace receiving member of the lace receiving members comprises aprotrusion proximate the second surface and extending into the channelof the first lace receiving member.
 16. The device of claim 14, whereinthe channels defined by lace receiving members are tapered to guide theresilient lace towards the arrays of teeth and wedge the resilient lacewithin the arrays of teeth of the lace receiving members.
 17. The deviceof claim 12, wherein the lace receiver comprises three lace receivingmembers of which two outer lace receiving members comprise a grippingportion having arrays of teeth to frictionally receive the resilientlace and a center lace receiving member has a smooth interior surface.18. The device of claim 17, wherein the arrays of teeth are pointed awayfrom the latch and correspondingly away from where the resilient lace isintroduced into the lace receiving members.
 19. The device of claim 12,wherein the latch defines a hook with a hook opening to receive theresilient lace to couple the latch to the resilient lace.
 20. The deviceof claim 17, wherein the hook curls upward proximate the hook opening toretain the resilient lace within the hook.